Phoenix AZ is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Phoenix AZ experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Phoenix AZ you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Phoenix AZ
Phoenix Zoo
- Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (17458)
- Phone: +1 602-286-3800
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Phoenix AZ
Desert Botanical Garden
- Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (14769)
- Phone: +1 480-941-1225
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
- Reviews:
We stopped here on a whim & I’m so glad we did! Being from the east coast it felt a little surreal walking around all the cacti, plants & wildlife but this place is absolutely stunning. There is plenty to see, you could easily spend several hours walking around. It’s very clean & the staff is very knowledgeable & down to earth. The gardens are so calming & relaxing, I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time. As someone else said pictures are great but it is so much better in person. Truly a wonderful experience!By K J (6 months ago)The place is so serene, peaceful, well-designed and maintained that it it helps you remember why we can still love Arizona. Because it’s surely not for its divisive politics. I loved seeing all the fall family/engagement photo shoots take place here as well. Which means they will not discourage if you pay the entrance fee. Every penny was worth it, even if you aren’t doing a photo shoot.
The gorgeous art work juxtapose the desert landscape in a brilliant way. And the butterfly garden is a treat. Fabulous descriptions of the cacti and plants and their significance to the ecosystem. And open late during certain times of the year when lighting comes on at “golden hour” to make the place sparkle.
It’s a desert museum worth seeing whether you live or are visiting Phoenix.By Cindy Cesare (a month ago)It is a wonderful place in Phoenix, Arizona, and I can strongly say that you will definitely enjoy the time you spend here. I was on transit in Arizona, and was thinking about how to spend my long layover. When I checked, I found this place, which is very close to the airport! I called a taxi and visited the place. It was a well-worth visit of at least half a day! This is very useful, especially for botany students and nature lovers. This is incredible!!! You may experience desert plants, flowers, and sculptures, which are beyond beautiful!! The staff are professional and friendly. I felt very peaceful! I should make a special note that there is a canteen where you can enjoy delicious food too. A location that will completely exceed your expectations!! You can enjoy it thoroughly.By Yohi Sivakumaran (a month ago)Such a wonderful visit! I probably haven’t been here in 30 years. I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to go with the family. We had such a lovely time. Perfect weather and sunset. Many great photos. It was great to bring my son, who is the same age I was the last time I came. Everyone really enjoyed the Chihuly exhibit. We came right before sunset so we could enjoy it both in the sunlight and lit up after dark.By Rayna Dennis (8 months ago)This place is heaven on earth. I leave a lot of reviews and have rarely wished to lavish such praise. If you don’t leave five stars you maybe should talk to your therapist. This is incredible!!! It is massive and in reality you could easily spend 3 to 4 hours here appreciating the expanse of desert plants and flowers and sculpture. It is beyond beautiful and I would argue one of the finest collections of such natural wonders on the planet. The staff are professional and passionate, the grounds are modern and kept, there are all sorts of possibilities for events as well and whatever you might need as a visitor for hydration or food if you must. I just felt totally calm and at peace and by the way, there are hundreds of birds and I mean of all varieties but most of all we saw so many hummingbirds playing together and they are quite curious, I snagged a photo. This is an instance where the photos are beautiful but the place is better in real life. The natural world is in abundance here and it will, it should connect with your soul. Enjoy!By Nicholas Hood (6 months ago)Papago Park
- Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (10795)
- Phone: +1 602-495-5458
- Website: Link
- Price Info: Free
- Opening hours:
Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMWednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMThursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Reviews:
Absolutely phenomenal views at sunrise and sunset and even if you don’t want to do the very short easy hike to the hole in the rock, the well maintained flat trails are perfect for an easy walk with amazing desert views. Would highly recommend for a time-limited outing with a ton of bang for your buck. Also so easy even a baby or elderly person could walk all these trails and even go up to the hole in the rock.By Hannah Rodriguez (9 months ago). Totally wonderful perspectives at the crack of dawn and dusk and regardless of whether you believe should do the exceptionally short simple climb to the opening in the stone, the very much kept up with level paths are ideally suited for a simple stroll with astounding desert sees. Would energetically suggest for a period restricted outing with a lot of value for your money. Likewise so natural even a child or older individual could walk this large number of trails and, surprisingly, go up to the opening in the stone.By Rebecca Johnston (3 weeks ago)Hole in the rock is very simple but still cool to see. You can get some nice photos, and the short hike is super easy.
There are a bunch of mtb trails that are super fun. You Could definitely ride out there for a while and not ride the same trail twice.By Derek Anderson (9 months ago)Reasonable easy hike with a few steep steps. Too busy to get great photos without either waiting in line or having people in the background. Worth the walk to get close to the Rock and to see the view!By Ruth Gates (a month ago)Always a joy to walk through the Park. Make sure to stop by Hole in the Rock for a terrific view of Metro Phoenix. Beautiful landscapes and desert plants, plus you can always stop by the Phoenix Zoo or Dessert Botanical Gardens. Highly recommended.By Yancy Evans (a month ago)South Mountain Park and Preserve
- Address: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (9463)
- Phone: +1 602-495-5458
- Website: Link
- Price Info: Free
- Opening hours:
Monday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PMWednesday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PMThursday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PMFriday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Reviews:
I love this specific park. It has a few different trails. The one I hike I wouldn’t necessarily say is good for bike riding because of all of the rocks but it is a nice place for an early morning hike while the air is still fresh. It is a pretty steep hike, but I love it. I’m not sure of the surrounding trails because I haven’t hiked them.. There’s quite a few people that hike this trail and area most of the time, so it’s not exactly lonely.. but I would recommend going with at least one friend because it does extend pretty far away from help if you needed it. If you had to scream even other hikers may not even hear you depending on the distance you were apart. Make sure to take plenty of water because the heat warms it up pretty quickly. I would recommend a thermos cup and a light backpack to carry your important items. The view is gorgeous and it’s so serene and peaceful on the trail and once you reach the top. Enjoy.By Lonnie H (3 months ago)Went on a Tuesday afternoon, pretty much had the mountain to self.
I’d say it’s a moderate hike for an experienced beginner. Def not a ‘walk in the park’.
It’s inclination up is manageable for someone who used to put up 8 minute miles in gym class in middle school.
It’s 1.3m up and I came straight bk, the way I came. You can make it a loop by connecting it with a national trail. I may sound intelligent, but that’s just what the sign says up top.
If you could, can I would bring/make a hiking stick(s) for stabilization.
And download the map at the welcome post in the parking lot. To do this, your phone camera must have that feature to scan barcodes and what have you.
Or, download the ‘All Trails’ hiking app for your phone.
By Erik Thompson (2 months ago)Amazing place to come and enjoy the sunset. Be sure to reach the gates by 7 because the entrance closes at that time. Me and my girls loved it. They had a blast and they’re both under 3. This is Definitely a memorable experience.By Conrad Gonzales III (4 months ago)South Mountain park is amazing! The hikes are so fun, but make sure to pack plenty of water! My wife and I ran out halfway through our home. The landscape is so pretty! I would always recommend going for a hike here!By Isaac Mote (7 months ago)there are many trails for hiking, some more difficult than others. It gets very hot here pretty quickly so bringing refreshments even for short walk is recommended. biking trails are indicated on map as well. lots of parking spaces on the way up the hill to the preserve.By Nushrat Humaira (4 months ago)Castles N’ Coasters
- Address: 9445 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (7941)
- Phone: +1 602-997-7575
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
Went to play mini golf at 7:30 on a Monday night. Would definitely recommend! It wasn’t crowded, the course is well lit and beautiful at night, and everything was exceptionally clean! Plenty of variety in hole design and layout. Kept our group of 7 (ages ranging 8-25) entertained the whole time.
The detail in the course decor is spectacular. There are 4 mini golf courses, all with different themes. Overall, would return!
We did not use the arcade, amusement rides, or snack bar.
Women’s bathroom was clean… others in our group said the men’s bathroom was gross.
Bottled water is $4 from vending machines but they allow one water bottle per guest.
Side note: don’t go to the Walmart across the street. Super sketch all the way around.
By Whitney Bullough (10 months ago)There summer special package of $55 is well worth it. It’s an all day pass that includes $10 arcade card,(which goes quite fast.) 1game of mini-golf and unlimited ride pass after 5pm. Despite the summer heat to wear you down they do have the souvenirs cup with or with out popcorn adds on up to $17 well worth with unlimited drinks and popcorn. This place is great for the hole family, to drop off the youngsters or to go on a date to feel young again… Take sunscreen and wear a cap, your going to need it.By LX Viper (5 months ago)A day of fun is guaranteed at Castles N Coasters ?This classic desert destination has been around for years. If it’s too hot to play a round of miniature golf then you can cool on the log splash ride on the bumper boats. If the really want to beat the heat, then check out the neat two story arcade complete.
Awesome place for parties! Fun and games for all ages.
By Elita Flowers (a month ago)Super fun! Not overpriced and great food. There are only a few rides but those few are so fun! Rode each one like 5 times and never got tired even though Desert Storm was closed. The place is just a little run-down but still cute and pleasingBy Paola Ochoa (7 months ago)Really great place for the kids to get all that energy out, great for adults too. The lines take up most of your time. My fiance & I went on a Sunday around noon until 7pm. The rides are fun, the staff doesn’t seem happy to be there. But I mean to be there almost all day I don’t blame them but still. Overall great place to unwind with the family & have some snacks & games.By Nora Maturin (8 months ago)Musical Instrument Museum
- Address: 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (6602)
Butterfly Wonderland
- Address: 9500 East Vía de Ventura F100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (5399)
Hole in the Rock
- Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4243)
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
- Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4226)
Heard Museum
- Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3919)
Dobbins Lookout
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85042, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (3551)
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
- Address: 1202 W Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (2282)
Phoenix Art Museum
- Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1858)
Echo Canyon Trailhead
- Address: E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (1762)
Arizona Capitol Museum
- Address: 1700 W. Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (1141)
Arizona Science Center
- Address: 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 3.9 (1120)
Phoenix AZ is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 15 best place to visit in Phoenix AZ – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
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The phoenix zoo was amazing for myself, my wife my 8 year old and my 7 month year old. It was a busy day, but the lines were short, none of the attractions were crowded. They have definitely upgraded the grounds and even have venues for weddings and birthday parties.
The membership option is a great value, pays for itself in just about 2 trips. We are going back next week to see the African wildlife exhibits we missed.
Plenty of restrooms and snack stands. The petting zoo is always a hit with my kids, and I love the river stingrays and alligator exhibits. My wife thought the prairie dogs were adorable, and the carousel was a big hit. I have never been so terrified in my life, of, my baby, having a freak accident and slipping off. My stress was at a 99 out of 10.
My apologies, our pictures are more of the fun my family was having, and not the animals themselves
Extremely nice and well maintained zoo. Very big. Exhibits were well taken care of. We loved the little desert walk through. It was very reasonably priced. I think that is probably one of the best zoos I have ever been to. It was easy to navigate. Flamingos are my favorite and they had a really great exhibit with lots of birds!
Hole in the rock was very close almost within walking distance if it wasn’t too hot. After the zoo we drove over and climbed up and were in awe over the view. Well worth it and I’m so glad we stopped.
Absolutely wonderful place to visit in the right weather! Phoenix summertime it would only be first thing in the morning. Christmas time and zoo lights is something spectacular.
There is a lot to see, a massive area, including a playground for kids, carousel, fountains, farm animals to pet, a souvenir store and even a hall to rent out for birthday parties!
I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance in order to avoid lines. Tickets are being scanned and then it’s a fast entrance. They could cost a little less though, but it’s still worth it. Animals are being taken care of and kids have an opportunity to see them from close by.
Really enjoyed this zoo not too packed and definitely the petting area was our favorite especially for the kids. The best part was the camel ride which our little one got on twice on how much she enjoyed it. Would highly recommend to buy tickets only because to buy tickets at the place is a very long line. We just went and showed our tickets and we were let through with no problem. Overall very good expiration for your little ones. Will be back again.
We have always loved to be around animals in the Phoenix Zoo does not disappoint. On our first visit we got a membership and love to go the hour early before the heat really hits. This was part of my birthday week to go see the giraffes. There is hardly anybody there early in the morning during the heat. In the summer they open as earlier. It’s a great way to take a long walk and also support and care for these animals.